Why do people blog? Do they just like to "hear" themselves? Isn't it just a glorified diary for all to read? At first glance, that seems to be the reaction of most. But blogging is much more than that. There is value in writing for a larger audience (for both teachers and for students), there is value in reading other blogs (there is lots of information sharing out there), there is value in the comments (both for the commenter and the original poster), there are connections being made out there that could never be made before.
Different Ways to Use Blogs in the Classroom:
Information - daily journal, assignments
Communicate with Parents/Newsletter
Student Discussion
Student Reflection
Student Writing
Class Reporting
Post Writing Prompts
Showcase student work
Post Photos/Projects
On-line book club
Student Portfolio
Preparing to bring blogs into your classroom:
Decide on a type (teacher blog for information, discussion blog, blog for every student) - each one has a different strategy for implementation.
Set up the blog
Give students access
Develop a few intro activities to get students used to blogging
Develop some expectations and objectives that you convey to your students
Different Ways to Use Blogs in the Classroom:
Information - daily journal, assignments
Communicate with Parents/Newsletter
Student Discussion
Student Reflection
Student Writing
Class Reporting
Post Writing Prompts
Showcase student work
Post Photos/Projects
On-line book club
Student Portfolio
Preparing to bring blogs into your classroom:
Blog Examples/Tools